Trees and shrubs are brilliant at providing structure and colour in the garden, particularly after herbaceous plants have died back in the winter months.

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It’s worth spending some time choosing shrubs and trees for your plot, as some have more positive attributes to their name than others – resistance to disease, year-round appeal and versatility are all valuable qualities.

If you’re unsure, consider growing native shrubs and trees. That way, you can rely on them to grow well in our climate, and they’ll play a role in supporting your local wildlife.

Discover six of the most reliable shrubs and trees, recommended by Alan Titchmarsh, below.

Rosa 'Eglantyne' is almost disease-free with no pruning needed.

Rosa ‘Eglantyne’

This David Austin shrub has old-fashioned rosette flowers in soft pink. Rosa ‘Eglantyne’ is almost disease-free with little pruning needed.

Pale-pink rosette blooms of Rosa ‘Eglantyne’

Acer palmatum Dissectum Group

Stylish, cut-leaved, shrub with superb autumn colour. For some inspiration, take a look at 10 of the best acers to grow.

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Cornus alba ‘Sibirica’

A red-stemmed, winter favourite, Cornus alba‘Sibirica’ has had a new lease of life as a winter patio plant and to cut for creative floral decorating. Prune back hard in March for the brightest stems in autumn and winter.